There is no escaping it. Life is flowing along smoothly and happily when all of a sudden a wrench gets thrown into your plans and before you know it, your mood has changed and instead of feeling joyous and carefree, suddenly, you’re stressing and angry.
That’s why it is important to take the proper steps to manage your anxiety. Stress management, is especially valuable to diabetic as proper coping skills can be the difference between managing your Type 2 diabetes effectively, and being overrun by complications.
Why Stress is Dangerous
Stress can result in destabilizing your blood sugar levels and cause enormous shifts in energy. It is also one of the leading causes of high blood pressure and a host of health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Although stress is a cerebral reaction to an uncomfortable situation, it also manifests as a physical sensation, that results in a rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and a rush of adrenaline.
3 Steps to Curb Stress
Fortunately, getting the upper hand with stress can be as easy as following these 3 steps.
# 1 Move, baby, move
Exercise is a stress buster. Oddly, exercise provokes bodily responses similar to stress, but the potential of these responses is therapeutic rather than the dastardly type stress causes. If you want improved mental and physical health, more strength and better circulation and an endorphin high to boost mood, then start exercising. Just moving your body for 30 minutes per day, 3 times per week will place you in a better position to manage your stress.
#2. Healthy Diet
Foods that nourish you with vitamins, minerals, and building blocks are needed to maintain physical health and keep your mind sharp. Conversely, processed foods cause brain fog, problems with nutrient absorption and loss of motivation. And when your mind isn’t sharp, stress is more likely to infect your thinking.
#3. Practice Gratitude
It’s all a question of focus. If your thoughts cling to the negative, your experiences are filtered through that perspective. However, concentrating on the positive teaches your mind to think differently. So, instead of obsessing on the things that annoy you, place your attention on people and things that make you feel grateful.
By incorporating these three steps, you can reduce stress, improve your health, and give yourself a fighting chance to better manage your diabetes.
